Valve assembly



Oct. 8, 1935. I Y Q SORENSEN 2,016,460

VALVE AS EMBLY Filed July 14, 1934 lllll lNV ENTOR Z4; 2 04 f ore/2.11

Patented Oct. 8, 1935 UNITED STATES ATENT OFFICE Claims.

This invention relates to valve assemblies and more particularly toassemblies of the character known generally as floor valves.

An object of the invention is to provide a new,

5 simple and eflicient floor valve assembly having as a part thereof aself-closing valve.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a valve assembly of theforegoing type a pressure reduction valve for reducing the pressure ofwater supplied to a plumbing fixture.

Another object of the invention is to provide means for regulating thepressure reduction valve.

A further object of the invention is to provide a valve assembly inwhich all moving parts or parts subject to wear are removable andreplaceable without disturbing the valve casing.

In carrying out the present invention, a valve casing of the type to beembedded in a floor is provided, and partitions are formed in thiscasing in such fashion as to divide a portion thereof into inlet,intermediate and outlet chambers. Openings are provided in thepartitions to permit passage of water from the inlet chamber to theintermediate chamber and from the intermediate chamber to the outletchamber. Removable valve seats are supplied for these openings. Thepartition which separates the chambers from the top compartment of thecasing is provided with openings concentric with the valve seatopenings, and into these openings are removably placed valve mechanism.In one opening the valve mechanism is in the nature of a pressurereduction valve normally held closed by a spring and opened only uponpredetermined water pressure. This pressure reduc tion valve is capableof adjustment to compensate for various water pressures. In the otheropening a self-closing valve mechanism is removably mounted, whichmechanism consists of a valve cage carrying a valve member to seat onthe removable seat between the intermediate and outlet chambers and asecondary valve member movable up and down relative to the cage. Waterpasses from the intermediate chamber into the cage and from the cageinto an equalizing chamber, the pressure in which can be relieved bymovement of the plunger valve. When this pressure in the equalizingchamber is relieved, the pressure of the water in the intermediatechamber opens the cage valve so that water can flow into the outletchamber. When the plunger valve is released to close it, water againflows from the cage into the equalizing chamber causing a gradualclosing of the cage valve. The communication between the cage andthe'equ-alizing chamber can be controlled, and in addition the height towhich the cage rises can be controlled. All parts mounted within thecasing are readily accessible by simply re- 5 moving the cover plate ofthe casing after which any part can be removed and repaired or replaced.

Other features, objects and advantages of the invention will be apparentfrom the following de- 10 tailed description taken in connection withthe accompanying drawing forming a part of the same wherein Fig. l is aplan View showing the top of the casing with part of the cover thereon;and 15 Fig. 2 is a section taken substantially on the line 2-2 of Fig.1.

Referring now to the drawing, H3 indicates an open top metallic casingwhich can be closed by a cover plate l I by means of screws i2 passing20 through the cover plate and threaded into apertures in the wall ofthe casing. The casing is provided with a horizontal wall M dividing itinto upper and lower compartments, the upper being indicated generallyat E5. The lower com- 25 partment in turn is divided into an inletchamber is by means of a wall I! extending downwardly from the partitionIt, then parallel with the partition l4 and then into connection withthe bottom It of the casing. Another p-arti- 30 tion having a downwardlyextending wall l9 has a portion 23 parallel to the partition I3connected to the partition I! to divide the remainder of the lowercompartment into an intermediate chamber 2i and an outlet chamber 35 22.The portion of the wall I! parallel to the partition I4 is provided withan aperture 24 screw-threaded for the reception of an annular valve seat25 having a flange 26 resting on top of the wall. The part 2d of thewall i9 is pro- 40 vided with an aperture 2'! screw-threaded for thereception of an annular valve seat 28 having a shoulder 29 resting onthe top of the wall.

The partition I4 is provided with an aperture 39 concentric withaperture 26, and screw- 45 threaded for the reception of a plug 3|. Theplug 3! has an annular flange 32, and packing 33 is positioned betweenthe flange 32 and the top of the partition M to prevent leakage from theintermediate chamber 2| into the upper com- 50 partment l5 around thethreaded joint between the wall of aperture 30 and the plug 3E. Thelower part of the plug 3! is hollowed out and provided with squarethreads 35. The intermediate portion of the plug 3| is hollowed out asat 36 55 while the portion thereabove is further hollowed out andenlarged for the reception of packing material 3?. The upper part of thewall is threaded as at 38 for the reception of the threads of a packingcompressor 39. A stem member 40 extends through compressor 39 throughthe intermediate portion 36 and has the lower end enlarged and threadedto fit the square threads 35. The top of the stem 49 may be squared orarranged in any suitable configuration to aid in rotating the stem. Theenlarged lower end 4| of this stem is hollowed out for the reception ofa stem 32 forming part of a fiat valve cup 44. This cup 44 has anannular rim 45 which provides a retaining wall for a disk 46 of leatheror some other suitable material for providing a water tight joint whenthe disk is seated against the top of the valve seat 25. The disk 46 isheld to the cup 44 by means of a screw 4? passing through the disk intoathreaded aperture in the cup. The end of the stem 42 is hollowed out sothat a spring48 may have a portion thereof resting in the hollowed outpart with the remainder normally resting against the base of thehollowed out part of the lower end 4| of stem 48.

The partition i4 is provided with an opening 5E! concentric with theopening 21 and having the wall thereof threaded for the reception of thethreads of a valve guideway member 5|. Packing 52 is positioned betweenthe partition I4 and part of the member 5| to prevent leakage of fluidaround the joints of the threads just mentioned. This member 5! has atubular portion 54 which serves as a cylinder enclosing a valve cage tobe described hereinafter. The member 5i has a stem portion 55 extendingupwardly and hollowed out for the reception of a plunger valve member56. An annular shoulder 51 is provided in the bore of the stem 55 uponwhich is seated a ring 58 supporting packing material 59 covered by asecond ring 50. The upper end of the plunger 56 is externally threadedto receive internal threads of a cap 6|. A spring 62 is positionedbetween the lower end of the cap 6| and the upper ring 60. When thisspring is under compression, it serves to hold the plunger 56 upwardlyrelative to member 5| and at the same time it serves to compress thepacking material 59 to prevent leakage around the plunger 55. The boreof the plunger 55 is provided with a groove 64 in which slides a pin 65extending from the cap 6|. This construction insures proper alignment ofthe cap and the plunger and prevents separation of the cap from theplunger.

That portion of the plunger 56 below the shoulder 5'! is hollowed out asat 86 and a number of orifices 61 extend through the wall of the plungerafiording communication between the exterior of the plunger and thehollowed out interior thereof. The plunger 55 is provided with a gasketseat 68 extending outwardly therefrom in which is positioned gasket 69for contact with the annular valve seat 10 formed integrally with themember 5|. The lower end of the plunger 55 is externally threaded belowa shoulder ll which shoulder serves as a retainer for a gasket 12 heldin place by means of a threaded sleeve 14. The action of this gasketwill be explained later.

Slidable within the cylinder 54 and relative to the plunger 56 is avalve cage made up partly of a central member 15 having a smooth borewithin which the gasket 12 slides. The lower end of the member 15 isexternally threaded as at 16 for the reception of a gasket retainer Hwhich is internally threaded. This gasket retainer has a number ofdepending prongs 18 of such size and arrangement as to fit within thevalve seat 28 to aid in aligning the valve cage. The member l5 has ahorizontal extension 79 recessed to receive the gasket 8!] held in therecess by means of the 5 retainer ll.

Extending upwardly from the extension '59 is a cylindrical wall 8|provided with a plurality of apertures 82. A screen 84 is so formed asto be positioned against the inner wall of the upright 10 cylinder 8|.The upper end of the member is externally threaded as at 85 to receivethe threads of a gasket retainer 85. This retainer serves to hold agasket 81 between the upper edge of the cylinder 8! and the retainer.The gasket is shaped as shown to bear against the inner wall of thecylinder 54 to prevent leakage at such joint.

The cover plate is provided with an opening concentric with the openings21 and 513, the 20 wall of which opening is threaded for the receptionof the threads on the end of a sleeve 9|. Slidable through the sleeve 9|is a pusher 92 having a cylindrical portion 94 fitting closely withinthe sleeve 9|. The exterior of the lower 25 end of the cylinder portion94 is externally threaded to receive an external ring 95 which can bearagainst the lower end of the sleeve 9| to act as a stop againstexcessive upwardly movement of the pusher. The inner wall of the cylin-30 drical portion 94 is screw threaded throughout its length for thereception of a screw threaded plug 96. The pusher 92 has a dependingflange Si'i spaced from the cylindrical portion 94 a distance sufficientto permit the flange to fit closely 35 around the sleeve 9| when thepusher is depressed.

The gasket retainer 86 is provided with a small orifice I00 passingentirely therethrough. A headed member |il| passes through the retainer40 85 adjacent to the orifice I00 and is locked in place as shown. Apart of the head I92 is cut away so that the member |0| can be rotatedto partially or entirely close the orifice i553. The member 5| isprovided with a threaded orifice 45 M14 through which passes a screw Hi5terminating in a tip I56. The member 5| is hollowed out to receivepacking mate-rial I07 compressed by a washer I05 and a nut I09 threadedon the screw I85.

The operation and use of the device is substantially as follows: Thecasing H] is designed to be embedded in a floor with the top of thecasing substantially flush with the top of the fioor, and, if desired,with the cover plate raised 55 above the floor level an amount equalonly to the thickness of the cover plate. Of course, if desired, thecasing can be embedded in the fioor with the top thereof below the floorlevel an amount sufficient to permit the top or" the plate 60 II to befiush with the floor surface, in which event the edges of the plate illwill not be bevelled. In making the installation a supply conduit, suchas a water pipe, will be connected to the inlet while a conduit leadingto a plumbing 65 fixture which is to be supplied with water undercontrol will be connected to the outlet. If the pressure of the watersupply is higher than is desirable in the plumbing fixture, the valveseating on the seat 25 can be adjusted to compensate for variations inpressure. If the pressure is high and it is desired to reduce thepressure, the stem 40 is turned so that the spring 4-8 is put under morethan normal compression. As a result of this compression the valve plate44 and the 75 gasket 46 will be lifted only when the pressure reaches acertain predetermined amount. Water can then flow from the inlet chamberl6 into the intermediate chamber 2|. The valve cage in this intermediatechamber 2| is nonnally in position in which the valve gasket 80 isseated on the seat 28. In this position the water enters the orifice-s80 into the interior of cylinder 8| from which it may pass through theorifice I into the interior of the cylinder 54. It cannot escape fromthe chamber so formed due to the seating of the gasket 69 on the valveseat ill.

If it is desired to supply water to the plumbing fixture the pusher 92is depressed. As a result of such movement the plug 96 in this downwardpassage forces the plunger 56 downwardly uncovering the valve seat 10.Water from the chamber in the cylinder 54 can then escape through theorifice 6'! downwardly through the rod 56 into the outlet chamber 22. Assoon as the equalizing pressure in the chamber of the cylinder 54 isrelieved, pressure of water entering the chamber of the cylinder 8|serves to raise the valve cage and unseat the gasket 80 from the valveseat 28. Water then flows freely from the intermediate chamber 2| intothe outlet chamber 22 from which it passes to the plumbing fixture.

When pressure forcing the pusher $2 downwardly is released, the spring62 forces the cap 6! upwardly carrying the plug 96 and the pusher 92along with it. This upward movement eventually causes seating of thegasket E39 on the seat 10 preventing a further flow of water from thechamber of cylinder 54 through the orifices 6'6. The valve cage remainsopen however until surficient water passes from the cage through theorifice I00 into the chamber of cylinder 54. As the water passes throughthe orifice I06 through the chamber, the pressure on each side of thegasket retainer 86 is gradually equalized so that the valve cage ismoved downwardly gradually until when the pressure on each side of theretainer 86 becomes equalized, the valve cage is down to its normalposition preventing further passage of water from the intermediatechamber to the outlet chamber.

It will be evident that adjustments of various characters can be made inthe construction shown. As before stated, the pressure of water supplyto the plumbing fixture can be determined accurately by operation of thepressure reduction or control valve between the inlet and intermediatechambers. The height to which the valve cage can be lifted can beregulated by adjustment of the screw I05, the tip I06 serving as a stopfor upward movement of the valve cage. By adjustment of the plug 96contact between the pusher 92 and the cap 6| can be regulated, butpreferably, adjustment is made to correspond to the showing of thedrawing.

Another feature of the construction illustrated resides in the fact thatall moving and operating parts which are subject to wear can be readilyremoved from the casing and replaced by other parts. It should beobserved that the seat of the reducing valve can be removed andreplaced; the entire mechanism of the reducing valve can be removed andnew parts substituted if desired; the seat of the main valve can beremoved for repairs or replacements; the valve cage together with itsretainer cylinder are also capable of removal, repair or replacement.Access to all parts is provided by simply removing the cover plate I I.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the present invention provides aunitary valve assembly capable of many uses and providing advantagesover prior constructions in that even though the casing is permanentlyinstalled in a floor yet all parts are accessible at any time. Theassembly provides the advantage that its operation can be accuratelycontrolled, compensation for differences in water pressures at differentinstallations being possible in the manner set forth hereinbefore.

Since the invention can be modified considerably beyond the illustratedembodiment, any limitations to be imposed thereupon are to be only thoseset forth in the following claims.

I claim:

1. In a valve assembly, an open top casing, partitions in said casingdividing the same into upper and lower compartments and dividing thelower compartment into inlet, intermediate, and outlet chambers, thepartitions in the lower compartment being provided with openingsaffording communication between the inlet and intermediate chambers andbetween the intermediate and outlet chambers, valve seats removablysecured in said openings, the partitions dividing the casing into upperand lower compartments being provided with valve mechanism openingsconcentric with the valve seat openings, said valve mechanism openingsbeing of such size as to permit passage of the respective valve seatstherethrough, fiuid pressure opened valve mechanism removably secured inone of said valve mechanism openings, and self-closing valve mechanismremovably positioned in the other of said valve mechanism openings.

2. In a valve assembly, an open top casing, partitions in said casingdividing the same into upper and lower compartments and dividing thelower compartment into inlet, intermediate, and outlet chambers, thepartitions in the lower compartment being provided with openingsaffording communication between the inlet and intermediate chambers andbetween the intermediate and outlet chambers, valve seats removablysecured in said openings, the partitions dividing the casing int-o upperand lower compartments. being provided with valve mechanism openingsconcentric with the valve seat openings, said valve mechanism openingsbeing of such size as to permit passage of the respective valve seatstherethrough, fluid pressure opened valve mechanism removably 60 securedin one of said valve mechanism openings, and self -closing valvemechanism removably posi tioned in the other of said valve mechanismopenings, a cover plate for said casing and a valve actuating memberextending through said cover plate.

3. In a valve assembly, an open top casing, partitions in said casingdividing the same into upper and lower compartments and dividing thelower compartment into inlet, intermediate, and outlet chambers, thepartitions in the lower compartment being provided with openingsaffording communication between the inlet and intermediate chambers andbetween the intermediate and outlet chambers, valve seats removablysecured in said openings, the partitions dividing the casing into upperand lower compartments being provided with valve mechanism openingsconcentric with the valve seat openings, said valve mechanism openingsbeing of such size as to permit passage of the respective valve seatstherethrough, fluid pressure opened valve mechanism removably secured inone of said valve mechanism openings, self-closing valve mechanismremovably positioned in the other of said valve mechanism open-- 15ings, said pressure opened valve mechanism comprising in part a memberto seat on said valve seat, yielding means for normally forcing saidmember toward said valve seat, and means for varying the pressureforcing said member toward said valve seat.

4. In a valve assembly, an open top casing, partitions in said casingdividing the same into upper and lower compartments and dividing thelower compartment into inlet, intermediate, and outlet chambers, thepartitions in the lower compartment being provided with openingsaffording communication between the inlet and intermediate chambers andbetween the intermediate and outlet chambers, valve seats remo-vablysecured in said openings, the partitions dividing the casing into upperand lower compartments being provided with valve mechanism openingsconcentrio with the valve seat openings, adjustable fluid pressureopened valve mechanism removably secured in one of said valve mechanismopenings, means extending into said upper compartment for adjusting saidmechanism, and self-closing valve mechanism removably positioned in theother of said valve mechanism openings, said selfclosing valve mechanismcomprising in part a stationary cylinder, a valve cage freely slidabletherewithin, a secondary valve stem movable relative to said cylinderand said cage to open and close a secondary valve, said valve cagehaving a member for contact with the valve seat in the opening betweenthe intermediate and outlet chambers.

5. In a valve assembly, an open top casing, partitions in said casingdividing the same into upper and lower compartments and dividing thelower compartment into inlet, intermediate, and outlet chambers, thepartitions in the lower compartment being provided with openingsaffording communication between the inlet and intermediate chambers andbetween the intermediate and outlet chambers, valve seats removablysecured in said openings, the partitions dividing the casing into upperand lower compartments being provided with valve mechanism openingsconcentric with the valve seat openings, adjustable fluid pressureopened valve mechanism removably secured in one of said valve mechanismopenings, means extending into said upper compartment for adjusting saidmechanism, and self-closing valve mechanism remo-vably positioned in theother of said valve mechanism openings, said self-closing valvemechanism comprising in part a stationary cylinder, a valve cage freelymovable in said cylinder and closing one end of the cylinder to form anequalizing chamber, a secondary valve controlling outlet of liquid fromsaid equalizing chamber, said cage having an adjustable orificeproviding an inlet for said equalizing chamber, said secondary valvebeing manually opened, and means for positively closing said secondaryvalve when the opened pressure is released.

O'I'IO A. SORENSEN.

